Searching for the Good in Today When Depression Tells You There Is None

I believe the saying, “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day,” is 100% true. I know it’s hard to see anything good when you’re down in the muck of your depression, when the demons are screaming at you, when you just want it all to end. But I promise you, it’s there. Even if it’s something as simple as the fact that you’re alive!

Even though you may not see that as a good thing, someone else does. The lie that we tell ourselves, “Everyone would be better off if I died” is so hurtful, not only to ourselves but to everyone who cares about us. And OK, maybe your family hates you (I sincerely hope not), maybe you don’t have any friends, but you know what? I care about you. That’s right, you. The one reading this. I don’t care who you are, where you live, what your sexual orientation is, what the color of your skin is, what you’ve done… I care about you. And I’m also incredibly proud of you.

I know what it’s like to literally force yourself out of bed every day. I know what it’s like to dread waking up, dread facing consciousness and the screaming of those demons. I know that intimately. So, even if you’re in your bed or on the couch, in your pajamas, reading this… you woke up today. Well done, you! I’m so proud of you! Great job! And no, that’s not sarcasm in the least. You woke up. You’re breathing in and out, you’re thinking, you’re processing thoughts… and if you’ve eaten today, which I know can also be a demon, way to go with that as well! You’re doing wonderfully, and I know you are capable of so much more. I care about you. I am proud of you. I love you.

I truly believe there is something good in every single day. It’s usually so tiny and minuscule, like a smile from a stranger or the fact that they have your favorite flavor slushie or are playing your favorite song on the radio at the mall, or a friend calls you, or a kitten purrs at you, or a dog playfully barks at you… the universe is full of wondrous things, and all we have to do is open our eyes to find them.

So, I challenge you to find something good in today. Anything — but at least one thing good. My good thing today was getting an unexpected hug from my husband. The more we look for the good things, the more we keep our sharp eyes out, the easier and the more often they find us. Happy hunting, warriors, and as always, stay strong.

Follow this journey on The Inner Demons.

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Thinkstock photo by Nadya Photo